Briony Blackwell, a member of the Oxford publishing family who was found dead at her home, suffered from an incurable illness, her father has revealed.

Mrs Blackwell's body was discovered by a relative at her home in Tubney, near Abingdon, on Monday. The 45-year-old was the wife of Miles Blackwell, the company's deputy chairman responsible for international library services and development.

Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious. A post mortem was due to take place yesterday and an inquest is expected to be opened today.

Her father, David Petchey, who lives in Faringdon, said Mrs Blackwell had suffered from multiple chemical sensitivity. Sufferers can have health problems in any organ and often have variable symptoms in many body systems.

Symptoms can include fatigue, memory difficulties, depression, nervousness, headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, joint pain, digestion difficulties, vision and hearing problems, erratic heartbeat, dizziness, nausea and sleep disorders.

Mr Petchey said: "Her premature death ended a rare debilitating illness for which there is currently no cure.

"She will be sorely missed by her family and a host of friends."

Mr Petchey said a private cremation would be followed at a later date by a thanksgiving service at St Lawrence's Church, Tubney, with attendance by invitation only.